Subjective and objective assessment of enalapril in primary Raynaud's phenomenon.

1. The efficacy and acceptability of enalapril were assessed in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled cross-over study in 21 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. 2. Skin temperature was assessed by thermocouples in response to a 15 degrees C cold water challenge as an index of digital blood flow. 3. Following enalapril there were no significant changes in the number and severity of Raynaud's attacks, and no subjective benefit from treatment as measured by visual analogue scales, 5 point rating scales, and skin temperature response to cold challenge when compared with placebo. 4. Enalapril in a dose of 20 mg daily is ineffective in the management of primary Raynaud's phenomenon

Vibrotactile sensation and response to nifedipine dose titration in primary Raynaud's phenomenon

The clinical response to two doses of sustained-release nifedipine was assessed during a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 22 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. Nifedipine at doses of 20 mg and 40 mg daily reduced the mean number of attacks by 40% compared with placebo with no significant differences between the two doses in the number of attacks or their severity. Unwanted effects were more common and more persistent with the higher dose of nifedipine. Fingertip vibrotactile thresholds measured at 31.5 and 125 Hz were unchanged by treatment with nifedipine. There was, however, a correlation between the pretreatment threshold at 125 Hz and the response to treatment with nifedipine, the most favorable responses occurring in patients with the lowest thresholds.</p